A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Indonesia
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Indonesia: What You Need to Know
A C14 Film/Journalist Visa is absolutely necessary before any foreign filmmaker can apply for film permits. After that’s in place, getting a national film permit is mandatory. You must team up with a local production company like Indonesia Fixer, and they’ll help with your application, which must be sent to the Indonesian Embassy.
Your application must include:
- A synopsis of your project
- Practical details of the film shoot
- A full equipment list
- Crew/team list and copies of identification
The application generally takes up to 8 weeks to come through.
Timing Your Indonesian Film Production around the Weather
It’s important to plan your film shoot in Indonesia around the various weather conditions. Though the country boasts a tropical climate, it does have a rainy season, which can affect how much outdoor filming time you have.
Best Time to Film:
The dry season (May–September):
This period makes sense if you’re filming a lot of outdoor sunshine scenes. You’ll find some of the best, sunniest days during this season in Bali, Java, and Sulawesi.
Rainy Season Issues (October/November to March):
This is a good time to film if you require scenes with heavy rain. Be mindful of the high humidity and frequent downpours, though, as they can be uncomfortable for crew members and cause risk of damage and mould to film equipment.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
You have the choice of renting your equipment on the ground here or bringing it with you. There are many film rental shops in places in Jakarta, but if your filming location is more off the beaten track, like rural Bali or Sulawesi, then shipping over your own gear can make more sense.
If you need a full English-speaking crew, you won’t have to worry, as there is a large selection of skilled, fluent English film professionals in Jakarta. We can help you source the team that you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
Yes, it is an ATA carnet country.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Indonesia is safe for visiting film teams, but it’s always good to organize a local guide.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
Most film team members will need the C14 visa. However, if you’re filming with a small crew with minimal gear, it may be possible to opt for a standard entry visa.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
All international film teams need a sponsorship letter from a local production house to apply for filming permits and possibly to help with their C14 visa, which must be in place before applying to get filming permits.
Do I need a permit for drones?
Yes, drone permits are essential, and it is recommended that you use a local, certified drone operator.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
Presently, the country does not offer tax advantages to foreign films made here.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
It can happen if you have obtained a Conservation Area Entry Permit from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. You will need this permit in addition to all other filming permits, and you must have those others in place before you can apply for the national park permit.
Working with Fixer Indonesia
As a member of Storytailors, a world-leading video production support network that covers over 150 countries, we bring the skills and resources to every international audiovisual project we work on.
We’ve services clients with location scouting, field production, help with permits, drone operation, transportation, and more. Our clients include well-known global brands such as Under Armour, Ford, ABC TV, and Netflix.